Creston Chamber of Commerce happenings

Published: Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 10:41 a.m. CDT

November is a special month for the Creston Chamber of Commerce. It is our anniversary month. This year we will celebrate our 74th year in existence. We have certainly come a long way over the years. We of course could not have done it without the continued support of our members, friends and the Creston Community. It is only through this support the chamber can continue to grow and continue our mission of “promoting and showcasing the community,” and at the same time be a “leadership organization which helps to unify the community,” as we “map a course for Creston’s future development.” Thank you to everyone.

This time of year also finds the chamber busy finalizing plans for the upcoming holiday season. I will apologize to you now for doing this so early in the month, but this is when the chamber column appears in the paper, and doing it this way will give all of you time to make your plans for this fun time.

It does seem hard to believe, but in less than a month we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and then a week later we will be celebrating “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.” Below is a partial listing of what will be happening Dec. 5–8. For a complete listing, please stop by the chamber for a calendar of events or visit our website at www.crestoniowachamber.com.

This year’s lighted Christmas parade will be held on the evening of Dec. 5 beginning at 7 p.m. This is a fun and spectacular event that any business, group, family or individual can be part of, the only stipulation is that your entry needs to be lighted and have a Christmas theme. If you would like to be involved, please begin lining up on Mills at Walnut by 6:40 p.m. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber at 782-7021. We would love to have you involved.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be visiting the Christmas Castle at the Depot the day of the lighted Christmas parade, Dec. 5, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The Friends of the Library will have their elves on hand to take pictures with the jolly old soul for a fee and serving free hot cider and donut holes. The Appalachian Service Project group will be serving a soup supper in the meal site on the 5th, as well, starting at 5 p.m.

An exciting conclusion to the Dec. 5 activities will be the fireworks display that can be seen just to the southeast of Uptown Creston after the lighted Christmas parade. You should be able to see the fireworks from almost anywhere in the Uptown area. We want to thank the Shooters for their help with this.

Plans are also underway for the 11th annual Comfort and Joy Quilt Show, sponsored by Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild, Quilts and Other Notions and American Home Design Center. The exhibit will be on display at Quilts and Other Notions Creative Center, 201 N. Elm St. The quilt show will open at 9 a.m. Dec. 5 and be available to the public through Dec. 7. Admission to the show is $2 or two canned food items that will be donated to the food pantry. A Block Walk will also take place during this time at various businesses in Uptown Creston in association with the quilt show. A quilt raffle will also be taking place.

During the “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays,” the Festival of Trees will be going on at American Home Design Center from Dec. 5–7. This is a great venue to walk through and view all of the wonderfully decorated trees. Silent bids will be taken during the event for individuals to purchase the trees. The Festival of Trees is sponsored by the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center.

Santa will again be at the Depot on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon and pictures with Santa are available again for a fee. Also on the 14th, the CARE Craft and Goodie Boutique will be taking place in the meal site area.

There truly is “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.”

Hi-Five Honor

The following individuals received the Hi-Five Honor for great customer service in October. Congratulations to Morgan Oetken, Office Machines; and Thane Glynn with Countryside Products.

The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience.

Gold Star Business Honored

The chamber honored The Pizza Ranch this month as the November Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated by a fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.

Remember to call the chamber with your Hi-Five or Gold Star Honoree.

Have a great month, and though it is a bit early, we here at the Creston Chamber of Commerce wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.